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Thursday, July 13, 2017

Puppies Over Cubicles

Photo by Jessi LaRue

I recently changed jobs. I left a company that I had spent five years with -- to put it simply, I wasn't "moving up the ranks" in more ways than one, and I felt that I had exhausted my efforts. It was a "good" job, one that required a bachelor's degree;and although I do not have that degree, I acquired my position through my experience and hard work.When I felt like my efforts there were no longer taking me anywhere, I decided that it was time to leave. I took a 180 degree turn in my life and decided to chase happiness over prestige. I took a receptionist job at a doggie daycare/groomery and I chose puppies over cubicles.

The "change" may seem drastic to some, but in the end it all balances out. The money is different, but with new benefits, the ability to walk to work every day, and ample overtime potential, I'm in the exact same financial position as before.

And, oh yeah, I'm happier.

A "higher-up" from my last job stopped by my current job recently to pick up her dogs. When she walked in, she was very surprised to see me behind the desk, and after she commented on how much I was missed, she said "so, are you on the grooming side or...?" Her eyes darted to the daycare side, where the sound of barking dogs continued to erupt.

"I do a little bit of everything here," I said. "I'm the receptionist." "Oh...so this is just part-time, then?" She asked with a concerned, sympathetic look on her face."No," I quickly responded, with a puzzled look on my face. "This is a full-time job."She politely smiled, and I quickly found myself explaining how much I loved working with dogs and that I now have the luxury of walking to work. But as she left, I wanted to kick myself. Who cares what she thinks? I don't have anything to prove to anyone. But I still felt like I was being looked down on.Sure, to some, a receptionist position isn't the most "prestigious." But to me, it's a job that actually has a lot of responsibility and importance. It pays the bills, it keeps me busy, and I feel accomplished at the end of each day.And, oh yeah, I'm happy.#puppiesovercubicles